Skip to content
Private for-profit, 4-year

Walden University

Minneapolis, Minnesota · www.waldenu.edu

中文

Tuition per year

$11,067

$28,887 with room and board

Peer median $42,296

Undergraduates

9,144

Student-faculty ratio 31:1

Peer median 12 : 1

“Peers” are all 233 private doctoral universities in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

Walden University, located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is known for its commitment to providing high-quality online education. Founded in 1970, the university emphasizes social change and community service, aligning its mission with the values of its namesake, philosopher and writer Henry David Thoreau. The university's motto, "Education for Good," reflects its dedication to empowering students to make a positive impact in their communities and the world. Walden offers a diverse range of programs, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees across various fields such as education, health sciences, and business.

One of the distinctive features of Walden University is its flexible online learning environment, which allows students to balance their studies with personal and professional commitments. The university fosters a vibrant community of learners through its online platforms, providing opportunities for networking and collaboration among students from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, Walden is dedicated to student success, offering robust support services, including academic advising, career services, and resources for research. Its focus on practical experience ensures that graduates are well-prepared for their careers, making them highly sought after in various industries. With a strong emphasis on social responsibility and community engagement, Walden University continues to play a significant role in shaping the future of higher education.

Analysis of Tuition, Enrollment, and Graduation Rates

The data reveals significant trends in tuition, student enrollment, and graduation rates at Walden University over the years. The tuition for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students saw fluctuations, peaking at $12,075 in 2016 before declining to $10,459 in 2022. This downward trend may suggest an effort to make education more accessible, especially during the economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In terms of enrollment, the number of undergraduate students has decreased considerably from 8,696 in 2013 to just 6,298 in 2023. This decline, coupled with a relatively stable graduate enrollment, indicates a possible shift in student preferences or challenges related to undergraduate education. The decrease in undergraduate students might be attributed to various factors, including rising costs, competition from other institutions, or changing job market dynamics.

Moreover, the graduation rates for undergraduate students show a concerning narrative. From a modest 33.33% graduation rate for on-time completion in 2017, the rate dropped to 0% in 2018, demonstrating significant instability in educational outcomes. While there was a return to a 100% graduation rate in 2020, the inconsistency raises questions about the quality of educational support and the effectiveness of retention strategies.

Retention rates exhibit similar volatility, with a peak of 100% in 2013, followed by a dramatic decrease to 25% in 2022, and further to 0% in 2023. Such low retention rates are alarming and may indicate underlying issues with student satisfaction, academic support, or institutional resources.

In conclusion, while efforts may be made to lower tuition and attract students, the challenges in enrollment and graduation rates reflect a need for strategic improvements in student support and retention policies to ensure that students not only enroll but also successfully complete their studies.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Large city
Nearest major city
In Minneapolis
Nearest international airport
Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), about 7 mi
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Academic calendar
Quarter
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Michael Betz (President)
Phone
8664925336
City
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Address
100 Washington Avenue South, Suite 1210, Minneapolis, MN 55401

School and Program Rankings

U.S. News school and program rankings · Click a school to see its programs, and a program for its full ranking

Graduate Rankings · 2026 edition

Computer Science#202
Health Specialty2 programs—

Ranks in blue are top 10 · ▲▼ change from the previous edition · “—” means no overall ranking for that school · Medical schools are ranked in tiers since the 2025 edition

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Bachelor's1,6743 international (0.2%)
Master's8,60583 international (1.0%)
Doctoral1,72719 international (1.1%)
Top 10 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
423
Social Work
290
Early Childhood Education and Teaching
243
Business Administration and Management, General
191
Psychology, General
148
Elementary Education and Teaching
113
Human Services, General
64
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration
57
Health/Health Care Administration/Management
44
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
32

U.S. studentsInternational

Popular graduate programs

  • Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse · Master's3801 (1% international)
  • Social Work · Master's1180 (0% international)
  • Mental Health Counseling/Counselor · Master's953 (0% international)
  • Education, General · Master's402 (7% international)
  • Nursing Practice · Doctoral383 (1% international)
  • Psychology, General · Master's353 (0% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduate Programs at Walden University in 2023

The data from Walden University for the year 2023 reveals significant trends in graduate education, particularly within the fields of health, education, and business. Notably, the Registered Nursing program leads with over 4,000 master's graduates, indicating a robust demand for healthcare professionals, especially as the pandemic has heightened awareness around health services. This trend aligns with national statistics showing a growing need for nurses across the United States, highlighting the critical role that educational institutions play in addressing workforce shortages.

In the realm of mental health, both Mental Health Counseling and Clinical Psychology programs have produced substantial numbers of master's graduates, with 775 and 24 respectively. This reflects the increasing recognition of mental health issues in society, exacerbated by recent global events. The focus on mental health services is evident as more individuals pursue careers in this essential field, indicating a societal shift towards prioritizing mental well-being.

Business-related programs also show a steady output, particularly in Human Resources Management and Organizational Leadership, which seem to cater to the evolving needs of modern organizations. The presence of international students in these programs, although limited, signifies a global interest in business education, potentially fostering a diverse learning environment that prepares graduates for international markets.

Overall, Walden University’s graduate programs highlight the institution's commitment to providing education in high-demand sectors while addressing contemporary societal challenges. The data underscores the importance of aligning academic offerings with market needs to ensure that graduates are well-equipped for their future careers.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Health professionshas 6191 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General.$52,124-$95,481
Health/Health Care Administration/Management.$63,556-$101,174
Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling.$53,607
Mental Health Counseling/Counselor.$53,607
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions, Other.$53,607
Public Health, General.$62,309-$90,261
Public Health Education and Promotion.$62,309-$90,261
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.$93,886-$133,336
Nursing Science.$93,886-$133,336
Nursing Practice.$93,886-$133,336
Public administrationhas 1988 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Human Services, General.$44,684-$74,731
Public Administration.$63,762-$93,038
Social Work.$43,977-$82,655
Educationhas 1510 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Education, General.$61,779-$86,090
Curriculum and Instruction.$82,716
Administration of Special Education.$55,577
Higher Education/Higher Education Administration.$55,577
Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services.$59,523-$87,167
Elementary Education and Teaching.$43,204-$54,422
Early Childhood Education and Teaching.$43,204-$54,422
Reading Teacher Education.-
Psychology has 1147 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Psychology, General.$46,429-$74,957
Developmental and Child Psychology.$51,792
Clinical Psychology.$55,116-$82,743
Industrial and Organizational Psychology.$55,116-$82,743
Forensic Psychology.$55,116-$82,743
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology, Other.$55,116-$82,743
Businesshas 828 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Business Administration and Management, General.$59,909-$101,871
Organizational Leadership.$59,909-$101,871
Accounting.$55,117-$72,622
Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, General.$59,742
Homeland security has 237 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration.$48,219-$73,321
Computer and information sciencehas 83 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Computer and Information Sciences, General.$64,753-$143,439
Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance.-
Communication has 21 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Communication, General.$62,139
Engineeringhas 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Computer Software Engineering.-

Students

49,441 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 14:86

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (9,144)

Black
3,873 · 42.4%
White
3,578 · 39.1%
Hispanic
878 · 9.6%
Unknown
384 · 4.2%
Two or more races
244 · 2.7%
Asian
147 · 1.6%
International
13 · 0.1%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
0.0%
18–19
0.3%
20–21
2.0%
22–24
7.4%
25 and over
90.4%

Graduate students

Under 22
0.2%
22–24
3.7%
25–29
13.9%
30–34
17.4%
35 and over
64.8%

Data insights

Student Demographics at Walden University in 2023

The student demographic data from Walden University in 2023 reveals a diverse and predominantly female student body. Among the undergraduate new students, there are 73 individuals, with 24.7% male and 75.3% female representation. This trend continues across undergraduate continuing students and transfer students, where females make up a significant majority, with 84.6% and 85.4%, respectively.

The graduate student population is notably large, comprising 36,014 individuals, with women representing 82.4% of this group. This gender disparity reflects broader trends in higher education, where female enrollment has consistently outpaced that of males in recent years.

In terms of racial and ethnic diversity, the data indicates a significant presence of white students across all categories, with some representation from other racial groups. However, specific figures for minority groups and international students are not available in the current dataset.

This demographic composition highlights Walden University's commitment to inclusivity and diversity in higher education. As educational institutions adapt to a changing demographic landscape, it is essential for them to foster environments that support all students, particularly those from underrepresented groups. This aligns with the ongoing national conversations around equity and access in education, emphasizing the importance of creating pathways for success for all students, regardless of their background.

Analysis of Student Age Distribution at Walden University in 2023

The student age composition at Walden University for 2023 reveals interesting trends in demographics, particularly in the enrollment of graduate and undergraduate students across various age groups. The data indicates a pronounced participation of students aged 25-39, who constitute a significant portion of the overall student body.

Undergraduate females aged 25-29 and 30-34 represent substantial numbers, with nearly 18% of undergraduate females falling within these categories. This trend suggests that mature students are increasingly seeking higher education, likely motivated by career advancement opportunities or personal development.

Interestingly, the graduate male demographic is notably robust, especially in the 30-34 and 40-49 age brackets, indicating that middle-aged men are pursuing advanced degrees at a higher rate. This could be reflective of a broader societal shift where individuals prioritize education later in life, possibly due to the evolving job market that values advanced qualifications.

Additionally, the data shows a small but significant percentage of students over 65 years old, highlighting the inclusivity of Walden University. Lifelong learning is becoming more prominent, as older adults engage in educational opportunities to enrich their knowledge and skills.

Overall, the analysis of Walden University's student age distribution underscores the importance of adult education and the growing trend of non-traditional students in higher education. As the labor market continues to evolve, institutions like Walden will need to adapt their offerings to meet the needs of this diverse and expanding demographic.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 233 private doctoral universities in the U.S.

Undergraduates0.1%

13 in 2025 · 0.9% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.9%2017: 1.9%2018: 1.2%2019: 0.9%2020: 1.3%2021: 1.1%2022: 0.9%2023: 0.5%2024: 0.5%2025: 0.1%
2016Peer median 3.9%2025
Graduate students0.7%

280 in 2025 · 1.2% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 1.2%2017: 2.9%2018: 2.6%2019: 2.0%2020: 1.8%2021: 1.8%2022: 1.8%2023: 1.8%2024: 1.8%2025: 0.7%
2016Peer median 6.4%2025

Data insights

International Student Trends at Walden University

The data on international students at Walden University reveals notable trends over the years. Initially, in 2004, the undergraduate population was modest, with only 1 international student among 151 total undergraduates, making the percentage a mere 0.66%. However, by 2007, there was a significant increase in international undergraduates, with 357 students, representing 24.9% of the undergraduate population. This marked a turning point, indicating that Walden began attracting a larger international demographic.

The peak for international undergraduates occurred in 2009, where 1,022 students accounted for 38.48% of the total undergraduate body. Yet, in subsequent years, there was a decline in both the absolute numbers and the percentage of international students, with 2023 showing a mere 0.52% of the undergraduate population as international students. This downward trend raises questions about the factors influencing international student enrollment, such as changes in immigration policies, global economic conditions, or shifts in the university's marketing strategies.

On the graduate side, the percentage of international students has consistently been higher than that of undergraduates, peaking at 3.68% in 2012. The numbers indicate that while Walden University has seen fluctuations in international graduate enrollment, the overall commitment to maintaining a diverse student body remains evident. The data suggests that while the university has successfully attracted a robust international student population at certain points, ongoing efforts may be necessary to sustain and grow this demographic in the coming years.

Cost

2025 cost per year

$28,887

Undergraduate tuition
$11,067
Room and board
$17,820
Graduate tuition
$10,885
Tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $56,962 · all 233 private doctoral universities in the U.S.

Tuition rose -8% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 93%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$595M

Tuition and fees
$595M100.0%

Expenses$477M

Student services
$161M33.9%
Institutional support
$124M26.1%
Instruction
$116M24.3%
Academic support
$75.1M15.8%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 233 private doctoral universities in the U.S.

All faculty
$66,650peers $83,735

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA

No athlete data available for 2025.

No athlete data available for 2024.

No athlete data available for 2023.

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable schools near Walden University:

  1. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities - Ranked 53rd in the 2024 US News rankings, this comprehensive university is known for its strong research programs and diverse academic offerings.

  2. Macalester College - This liberal arts college is ranked 27th and is recognized for its rigorous academics and commitment to internationalism, diversity, and civic engagement.

  3. Carleton College - With a remarkable rank of 9th, Carleton is a prestigious liberal arts college renowned for its academically challenging environment and strong sense of community.

  4. St Olaf College - Ranked 51st, this liberal arts college is known for its strong emphasis on music and the arts, as well as a commitment to academic excellence.

  5. University of Wisconsin-Madison - This comprehensive university is ranked 35th and is celebrated for its research output, diverse programs, and vibrant campus life.

These institutions offer a variety of academic programs and experiences, making them excellent options for prospective students.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 5.3 · all 233 private doctoral universities in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Aggravated assault
1

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Analysis of Campus Crime Data at Walden University

The campus crime data for Walden University reveals a generally safe environment for students over the years, particularly from 2013 to 2023. Notably, the only year with reported crime incidents was 2020, which saw a total of 16 arrests, leading to an average crime rate of 0.33 per 1,000 students. This is a stark contrast to the other years where the crime rate was consistently recorded at zero.

The types of crimes reported in 2020 included arrests for gun-related offenses, drug offenses, and alcohol-related offenses. The presence of these incidents, albeit minimal, raises concerns about student safety and well-being, especially during a year when many institutions faced challenges due to the pandemic. However, it’s also worth noting that the overall low crime rates reflect the university's commitment to maintaining a safe and secure campus.

In comparison to national averages, which can fluctuate significantly depending on various factors, Walden University's figures suggest effective crime prevention strategies and a supportive campus environment. The increase in safety measures and awareness campaigns could be contributing to the lack of significant crime in subsequent years.

Overall, while the data indicates a positive trend towards safety, continuous monitoring and enhancement of safety protocols are recommended to ensure the well-being of all students moving forward. More information on calculating crime rates can be found at this link: Crime Rate Calculation.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni of Walden University include Edith Dankwa (Ghanaian entrepreneur and CEO of Business and Financial Times), Christopher Pappas (South African politician, mayor of uMngeni) and Pat Spearman (Nevada state senator and cleric).

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.